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Newaygo County Seeks State Disaster Aid for Flooding Damage

Posted at 2:35 PM, Apr 16, 2014
and last updated 2014-04-16 14:35:49-04

NEWAYGO COUNTY, Mich (April 16, 2014) – In a release issued Wednesday afternoon, authorities in Newaygo County have requested a State of Disaster declaration from Governor Snyder to assist with widespread damage from flooding along the Muskegon River.

croton dam aerial image

Flooding near Croton Dam (Photo: Newaygo County Emergency Services)

County officials say approximately 403 homes have been damaged in the area from severe weather and flooding since Saturday April 12.  There is also significant damage to several roadways.

“With a Disaster Declaration Newaygo County can begin the process of gaining access to the state and federal resources necessary to begin recovery,” said Newaygo County Emergency Services Director Abby Watkins. “The Newaygo County Board of Commissioners has made the request for state assistance and we hope to receive word from Lansing later this week. We need help and we’re looking to the state to provide assistance navigating the process. We will not be able to recover on our own.”

Following the Flood Warning by the National Weather Service for areas below Croton on the Muskegon River, homes have been evacuated in flooded areas and electric service has been shut off for safety reasons.

As of noon today, the Muskegon River was at approximately 12.8 feet, which flood stage occurring at 9.0 feet.  Flooded areas along the Muskegon River are not expected to begin receding until Monday, April 21 according to Newaygo County authorities.

Where flood waters have caused evacuations, residents have been asked to remain displaced until emergency officials inspect homes and deem them safe for reentry. Because displaced residents have now found shelter beyond the Red Cross/Salvation Army facility at the Resonate Church in Newaygo located at 302 E. 68th Street, Newaygo, the facility will close later today. The church will continue to provide safe drinking water through Thursday, April 17. Evacuation assistance in Newaygo County can be acquired by calling 211 or 231-689-7307.

A current list of road closures can be found on the County website.  Roads closed at this time include:

  • Troy Township: Dickinson between 17 Mile and 16 Mile
  • Lilley Township: 14 Mile East of railroad
  • Beaver Township: Warner between 12 Mile and Hayes
  • Beaver Township: Warner between 11 Mile and 10 Mile
  • Dayton Township: Ramshorn and 32nd
  • Sherman Township: 32nd and Ferris
  • Sherman Township: 40th East of Ferris
  • Sheridan Township: 92nd and Lupin
  • Garfield Township: Wisteria Drive East of Luce
  • Bridgeton Township: Main Street off from Turner – S. of 128th
  • Bridgeton Township: S. River Drive and Maple Island
  • Bridgeton Township: Fitzgerald and 124th
  • Ashland Township: Sugar Bush and Maple Drive off Croswell